I have to fact check VicButterflyGrdns, if search terms like"flies vector covid" are used, there are several scientific articles on the first page alone suggesting that flies in fact can transmit covid as mechanical vectors. I uploaded a screenshot of one of the better ones so you don't have to just take my word for it, I suggest people read it and others, including "Mechanical Transmission of Turkey Coronavirus by Domestic Houseflies". As masks are not strictly mandatory at this business, and the interactive exhibits are not closed, the conditions for transmission are heightened. If a butterfly lands on someone's face, their legs can come into contact with virus through droplets or even mucus, and fly off to infect who knows how many people. We're not supposed to be touching our faces, but this is acceptable? If a housefly can serve as a life raft for covid, then a much larger butterfly is like a cruise ship. I'm certain that this business is unique in its hazards due to the "fly situation", and shouldn't just be treated like safer, more conventional attractions which are being re-opened.

I have to fact check VicButterflyGrdns, if search terms like"flies vector covid" are used, there are several scientific articles on the first page alone suggesting that flies in fact can transmit covid as mechanical vectors. I uploaded a screenshot of one of the better ones so you don't have to just take my word for it, I suggest people read it and others, including "Mechanical Transmission of Turkey Coronavirus by Domestic Houseflies". As masks are not strictly mandatory at this business, and the interactive exhibits are not closed, the conditions for transmission are heightened. If a butterfly lands on someone's face, their legs can come into contact with virus through droplets or even mucus, and fly off to infect who knows how many people. We're not supposed to be touching our faces, but this is acceptable? If a housefly can serve as a life raft for covid, then a much larger butterfly is like a cruise ship. I'm certain that this business is unique in its hazards due to the "fly situation", and shouldn't just be treated like safer, more conventional attractions which are being re-opened.

You might want to put off going there for at least a few months. If you check their reviews and pictures, there are butterflies landing on people's faces, taking off, and re-landing on other people's faces, plus the employees and crowds of tourists come in direct contact with exotic birds and reptiles. Right now, this seems to be one of the worst places you could go if you or anyone you care about are elderly or have existing health issues. The city of Victoria might even be more responsible in temporarily closing the butterfly gardens to the public until the situation is better understood, especially after the deaths in neighbouring Washington state. Better safe than sorry.

Hi, Thank you for your message. Due to federal bio containment laws we are unable to remove anything from our gardens. thanks!

Thank you for the inquiry. Great question! Due to Canada Food Inspection Agency laws, we are not allowed to open our display cases during operational hours in accordance to federal quarantine laws. Also, most of our insects are nocturnal and we would hate to awake them repeatedly throughout the day. Studies have shown that holding these amazing tropical creatures will shorten their longevity as our hands can have natural oils, soaps, lotions and other contaminates on them. It is actually very rare that our staff even hold the insects. All of our displays are however designed so our guests of all ages can get very close up and view these awesome animals at close distances. Best, Kurtis Herperger Gardens Manager

Hi, Thank you for the question. We have two large picnic tables just outside our entry doors, however there is no indoor eating space.

Thank you for your message. The average visit is about an hour however some guests spend the day!

Yes they are. We just ask that you are mindful of the other guests and that the feet stay on the paths and not in the garden beds. Thank you and enjoy your visit!